We have received news that the ILA and USMX have agreed to extend the collective bargaining agreement due to expire on September 30, 2012 for a ninety (90) day period through December 29, 2012.  The parties emphasized that they are doing so "for the good of the country" to avoid any interruption to trade.  This is great news as a strike on the US East and Gulf ports would have caused major congestion and delays.